Well... the last 24 hours have been a little crazy for movie fans, haven’t they? I attended Star Wars Celebration in Anaheim yesterday for the big panel of the morning, at which the new Episode VII teaser trailer was revealed by producer Kathleen Kennedy and director J.J. Abrams. Some background on my personal experience: The night before, great friends both old and new gathered for a pre-convention dinner. My wife Sarah and I were there, along with veteran Blu-ray producers Charles de Lauzirika and Cliff Stephenson, and Alec Peters and Diana Kingsbury of Propworx and Star Trek: Axanar fame. (Unable to attend because of work, BD producer Robert Meyer Burnett was there in spirit.) We learned that fans had actually started lining up to attend the panel earlier that morning so, somehow or other, it was decided that we should probably get in line ourselves around 5 AM in order to make sure we made it into the room. And, somehow or other, everybody was game for it. So get in line we did, along with thousands of others: Myself, Alec, Diana, Charlie and Cliff, joined by Chris Gore of Film Threat. We posed for a selfie to commemorate the insanity (at left – taken by Alec). [Read on here…]

Now... why otherwise perfectly rational and well-adjusted men and women would get in line five hours early to see a Star Wars panel in anticipation of a trailer is really kind of impossible to explain to those who don’t already understand the impulse. The truth is, many of us in Generation X have been doing this sort of thing since 1977. I know some of you out there have done it yourselves. The urge is almost instinctive, as if it’s written in our DNA. Not a one of us was disappointed that we did.

You’ve all seen the Episode VII teaser trailer by now. YouTube’s tracking numbers are still struggling to catch up, but so far they’re showing nearly 24 million views in just over a day. I would think that has to be some kind of record. Graeme McMillan at The Hollywood Reporter has written a nice summary of what made the trailer so thrilling, so I won’t repeat it here. But let me just talk for a moment about the experience of seeing it live in the hall in Anaheim, with 7,500 other highly-energized fans, because it was something else entirely.

The trailer was preceded on the panel by a few nice moments. A number of behind-the-scenes photos were shown on the screen while Abrams and Kennedy spoke, offering more glimpses of the film. The first real surprise was the appearance of that ball-shaped droid, BB-88 I believe it’s called. I think everyone had assumed the droid’s appearance in the first teaser last fall was a CG effect, but there it was on stage, fully practical – fully real – and the gasp that went up in the room was great and spontaneous. Then the new Stormtroopers came on stage, along with whole cast – new and old – except Harrison Ford. This was masterful stagecraft by Disney and Lucasfilm. Mark Hamill seemed to get a bit emotional when he spoke of the fans as a kind of extended family, and I think many people in the room got a little emotional too as a result. But then they played that trailer...

Grown men wept. I’m not kidding.

People in the hall seemed to have two reactions. Those under 40 went nuts cheering, getting their first glimpse of what realStar Wars is supposed to look and feel like. And those over 40 sat silently, wiping tears out of their eyes, overcome with emotion at finally getting a chance to see – after decades of disappointment – realStar Wars again, the way it’s supposed to look and feel. They way we all remember it from childhood. Lived in. Genuine. Not clunky or heavy handed, no goofy aliens with racially-stereotyped voices, no precocious kids, but tangibly authentic, and full of genuine human emotion and impact. Just... right. Then, after the amazement wore off from the trailer’s last line and image, the over 40 fans went nuts too and the din was incredible. In the room, they played the trailer a second time, and the reaction was just as strong. People filed out of the hall on Cloud Nine. We looked at each other, still full of emotion, nodding and laughing. One of our group was heard to say: “I can’t wait to get home tonight and run that trailer on the big screen in 1080p and just have my way with it!” More laughter. It was pretty special. I’m sure most of you watching at home felt the same way. Can the full movie possibly live up to this? I’ve no idea. But I’m willing to believe it’s possible. No matter what happens in December, though, this was just one of those rare, collective, global film geek moments that you remember forever. I’m glad I got to be a part of it and experience it with great friends. This is why we all do what we do.

Anyway, I have a couple of videos to share with you today. The first one is video of the whole Kennedy/Abrams panel, for those of you who either missed the live stream or just want to relive it today. Here’s it is (note that the live video starts about 30 minutes in and about 5 minutes before the panel itself)...

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This second video needs a little setup. My friend Cliff, who was sitting next to me during the panel, had the forethought to record the audience reaction to the trailer in the hall with his iPhone. He’s taken that audio and matched it to the video of the trailer so you guys at home can all experience just a taste of what it was like for those of us live. It starts with Abrams introducing the trailer and then cuts to the trailer so you can listen to people reacting to what they’re seeing in real time. It’s pretty cool. Play it BIG. Play it LOUD. Bravo, Cliff...

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Star Wars Celebration continues all weekend in Anaheim. If you’re there, or you’re going, you’ll have a great time. I’ll post a few pictures this weekend on The Bits Facebook page taken on the show floor for those who might be interested.

One last note: As I sit here working in my office this afternoon, a group of kids just walked by down the sidewalk past my window. They were talking, excitedly, about Star Wars. Absolutely, 100% no kidding. The more things change, they more they stay the same.

Meanwhile, in announcement news today, Warner and DC have just set the animated Justice League: Gods and Monsters feature film for Blu-ray and DVD release on 7/28.

Whoever wins the Stanley Cup, the official 2015 Stanley Cup Champions video is going to be released on Blu-ray and DVD on 7/28.

Scream Factory’s I, Madman is now up for pre-order on Amazon on 7/21.

All of the new Criterion July Blu-ray titles are available for pre-order today as well, and you’ll find the cover artwork (with clickable links) below. We’ve also added Criterion’s Blu-ray only edition of The Big Chill, which is now set to street on 7/7. Note that the cover artwork for Moonrise Kingdom isn’t finalized yet, but we’ll post it when Criterion releases it.

In other news today, it’s been announced that actor Ryan Gosling is in negotiations to star in the forthcoming Blade Runner 2. Still not sure how I feel about this sequel, but we’ll see. You can read more here at Deadline.

[Editor’s Note: Be sure to like TheDigitalBits.com page on Facebook for great Blu-ray, DVD and film discussion with other readers and for live updates on your mobile device when new content is posted here!]

Now then… there’s another interesting bit of news today for Trek fans. Our friends behind Star Trek: Axanar have just completed a successful Kickstarter to crowd-fund the production of the 90-minute dramatic film that will accompany the 20-minute Prelude to Axanar documentary they just completed. The Kickstarter ended on Sunday after raising a whopping $638,471 from 8,548 fans and supporters, which is the majority of what they need to produce the film. Pre-production is already under way, with filming tentatively set to happen in early 2015. The average donation was $75 which, by no coincidence, is exactly the amount needed to receive a copy of the film on Blu-ray when it’s complete as a backer perk. Pretty impressive. Over $150,000 was raised in just the last 48 hours of the campaign, following glowing endorsements from Original Series star George Takei and science fiction author David Brin. As I noted last week, I’ve read the latest draft of the script, and I can’t wait to see the final film. It’s pure, classic Trek and a great story to boot. Fans have a great deal to look forward to when the film is released online next year. Congratulations to everyone involved!

Finally this morning, we would be remiss if we didn’t acknowledge the passing of British film legend Lord Richard Attenborough, who died on Sunday at the age of 90. Attenborough began his career as a stage and film actor, which saw him appear on screen in such classics as The Great Escape, The Flight of the Phoenix, Doctor Doolittle, The Sand Pebbles, and Jurassic Park. He later became an acclaimed director, helming such films as A Bridge too Far, Gandhi (for which he won a Best Director Oscar – the film also won Best Picture), A Chorus Line, Magic, Cry Freedom, Chaplin, and In Love and War. Attenborough was Knighted by the Queen in 1976. You can read more here at The New York Times.

And now for that surprise title announcement we mentioned on Friday: Paramount is finally making good on the Star Trek Into Darkness Blu-ray debacle with the 9/9 release of the 4-disc Star Trek: The Compendium Blu-ray box set (SRP $39.99)! [Read on here…]

You can see what it looks like there on the left (and below).

A little bit of background before we continue… many of you will no doubt recall that, back when Star Trek Into Darkness was first released on Blu-ray, we here at The Bits were critical of the way all of the special features content was split up and given away as exclusives to different retail partners (see our column here and our review of the Blu-ray here), making it nearly impossible for fans to get all of the extras. A few weeks after our posts, I was invited up to Paramount to meet with the studio’s home video team to talk about the issue. I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised. They were honest, acknowledged that they’d made mistakes with the title (with the best of intentions, believe it or not – new people were in charge and they really didn't expect the fan backlash) and wanted my opinion on how they could make it up to Trek fans. And they really did want to make it right.

First of all, yes... I DID let them know that fans really want better special editions of the classic Trek films, with new, properly-remastered transfers and the director’s cuts. So please know that message was conveyed and the idea is under consideration.

Meanwhile, as relates to Star Trek Into Darkness, I suggested that the studio finally put together the true special edition that should have been delivered from the start, with all of the extras that got scattered around to different retailers, including the enhanced audio commentary, plus all-new content just for this release. I suggested that they might want to consider offering the IMAX version of the film (much like Warner’s The Dark Knight Blu-ray), as many fans have asked for it. And most importantly, I suggested that they offer fans who purchased the previous Blu-ray editions a discount of some kind.

I’m pleased to report today that this is exactly what Paramount has done.

The 4-disc Star Trek: The Compendium Blu-ray box set will include the original 2-disc Star Trek (2009) Blu-ray, with all of the great special edition extras that were on that original release, along with a new 2-disc Star Trek Into Darkness Blu-ray special edition. The first disc of the Star Trek Into Darkness SE includes the IMAX version of the film (in 2.35:1 aspect ratio, with select IMAX scenes included in 1.78:1), plus the “enhanced” audio commentary (with director J.J. Abrams, VFX supervisor Roger Guyett, co-producer Tommy Harper, composer Michael Giacchino, editors Maryann Brandon and Mary Jo Markey, D.P. Dan Mindel and second unit D.P. Bruce McCleary, producer Bryan Burk and writer/producer Damon Lindelof) that was previously available only via iTunes. Then you get an entire Blu-ray of extras, including all 7 featurettes that were on regular SKUs of the Blu-ray (including Creating the Red Planet, Attack on Starfleet, The Klingon Home World, The Enemy of My Enemy, Ship to Ship, Brawl by the Bay, and Continuing the Mission), all 6 of the Target-exclusive featurettes (including The Voyage Begins... Again, Rebuilding the Enterprise, Vengeance Is Coming, Mr. Spock and Mr. Spock, Kirk and Spock, and Visual Affection) and the film’s trailers, plus all 6 Best Buy/Cinema Now-exclusive featurettes (including Down with the Ship, National Ignition Facility: Home of the Core, Safety First, Unlocking the Cut, The Sound of Music and FX, and Aliens Encountered). So that’s everything that was available previously but scattered around to different retailers. On top of that, you also get all-new deleted scenes, an all-new Gag Reel, and 2 completely new featurettes (Fitting the Future, which looks at the film’s costumes, and Property of Starfleet, which examines the film’s props). You also get UltraViolet digital copies of both films. Note that Paramount is working to set up a rebate offer for those who purchased the original Star Trek Into Darkness Blu-ray, the details of which will follow soon.

For the record, the standard 2.35:1 theatrical edition and 3D versions of Star Trek Into Darkness are not included in this set, but many of you probably already have those and they’re still available on Blu-ray separately at a significantly reduced price (the BD3D Combo is just $14 on Amazon right now, while the 2D Blu-ray is just $12). A few of you are probably thinking: “Well… I already own Star Trek (2009) on Blu-ray and I don’t want to buy it again.” Which we certainly appreciate. The Compendium may not be the perfect solution for every single fan, but then no solution is likely to be perfect for every single fan. It wouldn’t surprise us if – in a year or so – Paramount doesn’t break up this set and sell the new Star Trek Into Darkness discs separately. We don’t know that for certain, so don’t swear by it, but that’s usually how this kind of thing works.

At any rate, for those of you who want true special editions of both films in a single affordable package, this is it. Keep in mind, Amazon will probably have it for 30% off at least and there will almost certainly be great sales on The Compendium over Black Friday and through the holidays. Here’s a closer look at the packaging (NOTE: Amazon pre-orders are NOW ON by clicking on the cover art)…

For those of you wondering what makes the IMAX version different, here’s a comparison of four scenes in IMAX (top) and theatrical versions (bottom). As you can see, you actually get more image via the IMAX…

Both Feature Films — Including the IMAX Version of Star Trek Into Darkness — Plus Previously Released Bonus Material and Additional Never-Before-Seen Footage Debut in Four-Disc Set

HOLLYWOOD, Calif. – Director J.J. Abrams’ global sensations Star Trek and Star Trek Into Darkness set a course for the ultimate home entertainment package in STAR TREK: THE COMPENDIUM, arriving September 9, 2014 from Paramount Home Media Distribution. The set includes four Blu-ray Discs with both films in sparkling high definition and the IMAX version of Star Trek Into Darkness, Digital HD copies of both films, plus previously released bonus material, including the Star Trek Into Darkness director’s commentary. STAR TREK: THE COMPENDIUM also boasts never-before-released footage from Star Trek Into Darkness including a gag reel and new behind-the-scenes featurettes. This comprehensive four-disc set will be offered for the suggested retail price of $39.99.

The STAR TREK Blu-ray is presented in 1080p high definition with English 5.1 Dolby TrueHD, French 5.1 Dolby Digital and Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital with English, English SDH, French, Spanish and Portuguese subtitles. The STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS Blu-ray is presented in 1080p high definition with English 7.1 Dolby TrueHD, French 5.1 Dolby Digital, Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital, Portuguese 5.1 Dolby Digital and English Audio Description and English, English SDH, French, Spanish and Portuguese subtitles. The four-disc set includes access to a Digital HD copy of each film, as well as the following:

To Boldly Go — Taking on the world’s most beloved science fiction franchise was no small mission. Director J.J. Abrams, writers Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman, producer Damon Lindelof, and executive producer Bryan Burk talk about the many challenges they faced and their strategy for success.

Branching Pods:

The Shatner Conundrum

Red Shirt Guy

The Green Girl

Trekker Alert!

Casting — The producers knew their greatest task was finding the right cast to reprise these epic roles. The cast, for their part, talk about the experience of trying to capture the essence of these mythic characters. The piece concludes with a moving tribute to Leonard Nimoy.

A New Vision — J.J. Abrams’ vision was not only to create a Star Trek that was a bigger, more action-packed spectacle, but also to make the spectacle feel real. Every aspect of production—from unique locations to the use of classic Hollywood camera tricks—was guided by this overall objective.

Branching Pods:

Savage Pressure

Starships — Abrams and production designer Scott Chambliss were careful to pay tribute to the design of the original Enterprise, but they also wanted to make it futuristic and cool for a modern audience. This chapter focuses on the unique stories behind the creation of the film’s starships.

Branching Pods:

Warp Explained

Paint Job

Bridge Construction Accelerated

The Captain’s Chair

Button Acting 101

Narada Construction Accelerated

Shuttle Shuffle

Aliens — Designers Neville Page and Joel Harlow talk about the hurdles they faced creating new alien species, recreating the Romulans and Vulcans, and designing the terrifying creatures on Delta Vega for the new Star Trek.

Branching Pods:

The Alien Paradox

Big-Eyed Girl

Big Bro Quinto

Klingons

Drakoulias Anatomy 101

Planets — From the frozen landscape of Delta Vega to the desert plains of Vulcan, Scott Chambliss and the art department had a number of radically different planets to create. Abrams’ desire to shoot on real locations whenever possible led the production team to a number of strange and surprising locations.

Branching Pods:

Extra Business

Confidentiality

Props and Costumes — Property master Russell Bobbitt had the unique challenge of designing props that were both true to the original series and pertinent to today’s technology. Likewise, costume designer Michael Kaplan talks about how he designed costumes that paid homage to what came before yet were relevant and timeless.

Branching Pods:

Klingon Wardrobe

Ben Burtt and the Sounds of Star Trek — When famed sound designer Ben Burtt was hired to create sounds for the first Star Wars film, he took his inspiration from the original Star Trek series. Burtt jumped at the opportunity to pay tribute to the sounds that sparked his career with the sounds he created for the new Star Trek.

Score — As a fan of the original series, composer Michael Giacchino embraced the challenge of creating new music for Star Trek while preserving the spirit of Alexander Courage’s celebrated theme.

The STAR TREK: THE COMPENDIUM Blu-ray set available for purchase includes Digital Versions of both films that can be accessed through UltraViolet, a new way to collect, access and enjoy movies. With UltraViolet, consumers can add movies to their digital collection in the cloud, and then stream or download them — reliably and securely — to a variety of devices.

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All right, that’s it for now. Not bad for one day.

Again, hats off to Paramount for acknowledging the mistake with their previous Blu-ray release, for listening to the criticisms, and for taking real steps to make things right. That’s rare in the home video business these days and we certainly appreciate it.

Here’s a look at the Blu-ray Disc cover artwork for Warner’s Death Wish, Kino’s Himalaya and final/revised art for CBS’ Star Trek: Enterprise – Season Three (due 1/7 – T’Pol’s image has been updated among other things)...

And that’s it for this week. We’ll be back on Monday with more Blu-ray and DVD reviews, the start of our Oktoberfest finale, more great Factory Entertainment prop replica giveaways and all the usual news and views too. Have a fine weekend and we’ll see you then!